A few miles away from Marseille lies the hidden paradise – The Calanques. Accessible only by boat or with good hiking shoes, these beautiful inlets are carved into white limestone and boast crystal-clear waters. Magnificent cliffs rise up and line a turquoise sea, offering visitors a show of a rare beauty.
EXPERIENCES
Chartering a yacht is the ideal way to explore the Calanques. The landscapes are indeed even more striking seen from the sea and you can easily visit the coves one after the other. Exploring Cassis makes a great addition to your yacht charter on the French Riviera. Cassis is a very picturesque fishing village, much more pleasant than many other crowded towns of the French Riviera. And it is also one of the best places to try the famous local fish soup called Bouillabaisse.
Day 1 – Marseille – CALANQUES
Board in the port of Marseille. Cruise towards Frioul Islands, very famous for the prison of the Man in the Iron Mask. Have lunch on board not far from Riou Island and enjoy the beautiful view and crystal clear waters. Navigate towards Calanques and enjoy the marvellous views over the rising cliffs and untouched nature.
Enjoy your water toys on board, but please note that navigating in the Calanques area is very restricted as it is a protected area, so listen carefully to your crew instructions.
Day 2 – CALANQUES – Cassis
You will spent your night at anchor and enjoy the calm nature and the picturesque views. Please note that in order to visit the Calanques it is important to have a special authorisation and not everyone can sail by. Your experienced crew will be happy to show you the best spots. Use your yachts’ tender and disembark in the small village of Cassis. Only 15 minutes walk from the port, you can enjoy lunch in a beautiful restaurant called La Villa Maddie, two Michelin star restaurant with terrific views and tasteful menu. On your way back enjoy your walk towards the port and stop by some local small shops.
Day 3 – Cassis – Marseille
A day dedicated to visiting the Calanques National Park. In the morning, you will stop at the Calanques of Port-Miou, Port-Pin and En-Vau. Lunch is taken at anchor in this superb setting. Your afternoon program includes the famous Calanques of Sugiton, Morgiou and Sormiou.
Throughout the day and according to your wishes, you will be able to swim and enjoy the water toys available on your yacht. Dine on board and overnight at anchor. Sail back to Marseille the next morning for disembarkation.
OUR FAVOURITE SPOTS
IF CASTLE
Francis I of France wanted the Château d’If to fulfil three functions: protect the coast from invasion, provide cover for the new royal fleet of galleys and keep watch over Marseille, annexed to France in 1480. This was also a state prison. Anyone opposing official authority was imprisoned here from 1580 until 1871, especially Protestants and Republicans. Alexandre Dumas published “The Count of Monte Cristo” in 1844. Its’ main protagonist Edmond Dantès was imprisoned at If.
RIOU ARCHIPELAGO
The Riou archipelago is visible from the coasts of Marseille and extends over nearly 162 hectares including several islands. The first human activities date back to the Neolithic period, when the archipelago was a peninsula. During antiquity, and even after, the archipelago received sailors and fishermen and served as a landing place. It was also an ideal position to watch the coasts off Marseille.
CASSIS VILLAGE
Admittedly Cassis is a key tourist attraction but above all it’s a picturesque village filled with the fragrances of Provence. Whether you visit in summer or winter, you always feel as though you are on holiday. It is no wonder that numerous celebrities have decided to come and live here, Cassis is a real jewel. You can visit the local museum situated in the heart of the village.
LA VILLA MADDIE RESTAURANT
Nestled in the Corton Cove, facing the Cap Canaille, la Villa Madie majestically towers over the Mediterranean Sea. A contemporary architecture will seduce you with relaxed atmosphere and splendid patio overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy the local cuisine which follows the seasons with carefully selected and prepared products. Choosing to work with local products is obvious for Chef Dimitri Droisneau.
NOTRE-DAME de LA GARDE
Built on the city’s highest point, the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde can constantly be glimpsed along streets and through archways from any point of the city. It has a magnificent setting, panoramic views, a stirring history, an exotic Byzantine interior and a firm place in the affections of the local community – and not just Catholics.
OLD HARBOR
It has been the natural harbour of the city since antiquity and is now the main popular place in Marseille. It became mainly pedestrian in 2013. Walk through different local shops, restaurants and the main fish market of the city.
MuCEM
The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations is a national museum located in Marseille. It opened on June 7, 2013, when Marseille was the European Capital of Culture. You can enjoy different cultural events and not only expositions in this museum.